The Bookssection of the site is intended to be a comprehensive resource of all relevant books published since 1861 on the Irish experience of the Civil War. It has now grown to 146 titles, and is, as far as I am aware, the most complete listing of books on the Irish in the war available on the internet. It is divided into sections, namely ‘Regimental & Brigade Histories’, ‘Biography’, ‘Edited/Personal Accounts’, ‘General Works’ and ‘Other’. Some of the titles are well known, while others are more obscure and harder to come by. 24 of the books, mainly personal memoirs, are linked directly to full text versions on archive.org, so it is possible to read these titles online. The books listed cover all aspects of the war, North and South, so be sure to check it out if you are researching the Irish in the American Civil War or interested in learning more. As ever, if you are aware of any potential additions to the list please let me know, and you will be fully acknowledged for your contribution.

2 Comments on “The Irish in the American Civil War Reading List”

Damian, you have an excellent list and have done us all a good service by compiling it. I didn’t know of several of the books on your list. I only own one that I was certain should be added. It is:Jolly, Ellen Ryan, LLD. 1927.Nuns of the Battlefield. I assume it will be listed under “general works.”

I am not certain whether you are including personal accounts of soldiers of Irish extraction, but who were not themselves born in Ireland. If you are, you might consider: McMahon, John T. (edited by John Michael Priest) 1993. John T. McMahon’s Diary of the 136th New York 1861-1864. Mr. McMahon’s father was apparently born in Ireland.

Another soldier whose name suggests he is Irish is:Patrick, Robert (edited by F. Jay Taylor) 1996. The Secret Diary of Robert Patrick 1861-1865 (paperback). This soldier was from Louisiana, but I’m not aware of his family’s relationship to Ireland.

Again, thanks for doing this. I have found the list useful for considering the status of my own collection. Best. Jim Swan